Fourth of July weekend: Some ideas for short getaways

If you waited until the last minute, there are still things you can do.

Waited until the last minute to make plans for the three-day holiday weekend?

Don't worry. You can still make plans for a day trip or an overnight getaway.

Here are three suggestions:

No. 1: Head to Philadelphia, America's birthplace

"Our Fourth of July is the best," said Cara Schneider, media relations director with Visit Philadelphia.

Many events, including a parade and block party, are planned as part of the annual Wawa Welcome America! festival.

Vice President Joe Biden will be one of the speakers today during the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony in front of Independence Hall, Sixth and Chestnut streets. It starts at 10 a.m.

It includes reading excerpts of the "Declaration of Independence" and recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the 60th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education, according to a news release.

In the evening, Philly's 4th of July Jam and Fireworks Spectacular offers a free concert and fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Performers include The Roots, along with Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, Aloe Blacc, Ariana Grande and Vicci Martinez. The event, which starts at 7 p.m., is held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 20th Street to Eakins Oval.

Overnight accomodations are still available, Schneider said. More fireworks are planned for Saturday evening at Penn's Landing

Rain and wind from Hurricane Arthur are in the forecast for the start of the Fourth of July, but after that, the weather is expected to improve.

"Starting Friday afternoon, it should be gorgeous," said Ben Rose, director of marketing and public relations with the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.

Fireworks displays in both Ocean City, Md. and the Wildwoods, N.J. have been rescheduled because of the weather. They are now planned for Saturday evening.

Other events in the Wildwoods will continue, including a free patriotic show, a news release states.

Accommodations remain available in Ocean City, Md., but they are expected to fill up fast, said Jessica Waters, communications manager with Ocean City, Md. The city is expecting upwards of 250,000 visitors.

Head to the nation's capital, where you can watch the National Independence Day Parade. It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Constitution Avenue from Seventh to 17th streets, according to washington.org, the capital's travel website.

The parade will include invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons and more, the website states.

Museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History and the American Art Museum, will be open.